A simple and unpretentious prayer, yet profound in its content, continues to resonate with people even today.
The Rosary confraternities are widespread in Slovakia, with a presence in almost every parish. The Dominicans introduced this tradition and the practice of praying the Rosary in the 16th century when our territory was part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The resurgence of these confraternities in our country can be traced back to the early 19th century, coinciding with the emergence of the Living Rosary, at that time the latest form of praying the Rosary. The founder of the Living Rosary was the blessed Pauline Jaricot from Lyon, France. The method of prayer involved forming a group of 15 people, a Rose. Each member committed to praying one Rosary mystery daily. Once a month, the group gathered for communal prayer, to provide mutual support in their faith, and to exchange the Rosary mysteries. These communities were also engaged in outward activities, such as assisting the local church, supporting charitable works, especially missions, and financing religious publications.
An interesting fact about the Rosary Confraternities is that they went unnoticed during the persecutions of the totalitarian communist regime (1948-1989). The state authorities at the time did not consider them a threat. Despite the suppression of religious orders and the ban on their activity, these communities remained active even when the Dominicans were unable to lead them. It is amazing to think that for 40 years, despite ongoing injustices, one of the main prayers of the pilgrim Church has been quietly and subtly working to eliminate evil and unrighteousness. Following the fall of the Iron Curtain and the re-establishment of religious orders, the Dominicans established the Dominican Marian Centre in Slovakia to provide spiritual guidance, administer and establish new Rosary confraternities.
Earlier this year, we were approached by Fr. Lawrence Lew OP, the General Promoter for the Rosary, to join in praying the Rosary together on October 7 in preparation for the Jubilee Year. We are happy to do so and look forward to that moment of prayer together for the Jubilee Year. This is a precious opportunity for people from all corners of the world to unite in prayer, and we humbly but eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have.
Fr. Matej Šulik OP,
Provincial Promoter for the Rosary, Province of Slovakia
